Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Facts

Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Statistics and Marijuana Facts

The facts about Rhode Island medical marijuana showcase a continuous battle between the state’s congress and its governor. The legislature first passed a medical cannabis law in June of 2005 with an overwhelming majority in favor. However, the governor at the time, Donald Carcieri, immediately vetoed the bill. He was then overridden by the legislature on January 3rd of 2006 to make the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act into law. The Department of Health began issuing Rhode Island medical marijuana cards to patients in May of 2006. In 2009, the legislature passed a bill to authorize the creation of three officially designated dispensaries in the state. Again the governor vetoed the measure and was later overridden. Despite the law’s passage, Governor Lincoln Chafee put an indefinite hold on the licenses issued to these three dispensaries in 2011; thus there are still none operating in the state.

Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Facts 2011:

The most recent marijuana data shows that there were 3069 registered marijuana patients in the state as of the end of 2010. Only one patient and four caregivers have had their licenses revoked.

The program’s operation costs totaled out to $150,000 while $171,410 in revenue was collected during fiscal year 2010.

Rhode Island’s medical marijuana statistics show that there are 4 patients under the age of 18 and 1948 registered caregivers. Also, 589 patients have 2 caregivers, while only 239 caregivers have 2 patients. Just 3 caregivers have the maximum of 5 patients allowed by law.

A total of 440 doctors have signed medical marijuana recommendations for Rhode Island patients.

Interesting cannabis fact: Rhode Island is one of the few states to accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards as fully valid.